Woodbury School Staff

The staff at The Strong’s Woodbury School employs a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach to curriculum that encourages students to delve deeply into topics that fascinate them and stimulate their learning. Collectively, the team has nearly 90 years of teaching experience and, in addition to educating Woodbury School’s preschool and early-kindergarten students, has developed or led hundreds of conferences, seminars, and individual training opportunities on playful learning.

Tyana Velazquez-Smith, Assistant Vice President for Education

Tyana oversees The Strong’s education team and is responsible for the overall development and implementation of school, family, early-childhood, youth, adult, and other public education programs and activities at the museum, including the museum’s onsite Woodbury School. Prior to joining The Strong, Tyana served as director of the collegiate science technology entry program at St. John Fisher College. She also has experience teaching kindergarten, first grade, and second grade. She holds a bachelor’s degree in special education from St. John Fisher College and a master’s degree in teaching English to speakers of other languages from the University of Rochester. Tyana’s pursuing a PhD in teaching curriculum and change from the University of Rochester.

Keyana Coley, Education Coordinator 

Keyana is education coordinator at The Strong. Keyana schedules and facilitates public education programs and activities at the museum, including the Woodbury School. Keyana served as a gallery manager at The Strong prior to joining the education team. Keyana is pursuing a bachelor of science in business, management, and economics with a concentration in the global economy from SUNY Empire. 

Andrea Serry, Lead Teacher

Andrea is a teacher in both preschool and early kindergarten programs at Woodbury School. She has prior teaching experience through St. John Early Childhood Program, Child Care Council of Rochester, and Action for a Better Community. Andrea holds a master’s degree in education for childhood literacy from the State University of New York at Brockport.

Erin Cavellier, Teacher

Erin is a teacher in both preschool and early kindergarten programs at Woodbury School. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in studio art from Binghamton University. Erin has taught toddlers, as well as preschool- and school-age children across several programs in Asheville, North Carolina.

Sarah Tubbs, Teacher

Sarah is a teacher in both preschool and early kindergarten programs at Woodbury School. Prior to coming to Woodbury School, Sarah was a preschool teacher and director at the Family Resource Center of Hillside Family of Agencies and a preschool teacher at the Carlson Metrocenter YMCA. She holds a master’s degree in inclusive education from Nazareth College.

Johanna Kapaan, Teacher

Johanna is a teacher in both preschool and early kindergarten programs at Woodbury School. She has prior experience teaching preschool at Doodlebugs and Rich Beginnings Childcare. Johanna has a degree in Interdisciplinary arts for children with a special concentration in music from the State University of New York at Brockport.

Syble Martella, Teaching Assistant

Syble is a teaching host for school lessons and a teaching assistant in Woodbury School. She has contributed to several museum projects and programs outside of her teaching responsibilities, including interactive storytelling, Boy Scout and Girl Scout workshops, and Storytime Club.

Georgie Henry, Teaching Assistant

Georgie is both a teaching assistant in Woodbury School and a gallery host in the museum. She has earned an Associate of Arts and Science in Early Childhood Education degree and a Bachelor of Science in Childhood and Special Education.

Grace Sadler, Teaching Assistant

Grace is a teaching assistant at Woodbury School. Grace has a master’s from the Warner School at the University of Rochester and has a plethora of K-2 teaching experience.

Aimee Vollmer, Teaching Host 

Aimee is a teaching host for school groups visiting the museum and a teacher’s aide in the Woodbury School. Aimee has prior experience as a preschool teacher at the Rochester Museum and Science Center preschool and has taught art in both public and private schools in the Rochester area. Aimee received her undergraduate degree in studio art from Nazareth College and holds a master’s degree in elementary education.